Transmission

SHAWTA

MEMBER
1998 FORD CONTOUR
208,000 MILES

Just got the car The battery was completely dead. So I boosted it. It well start I would put the transmission in to gear it would move then I would stop Put it into park. Put it back into gear. Won't move. Is it possible that because the battery was dead and might not be no good. That transmission needs that certain voltage to engage the transmission so that it would go in gear

Saturday, April 20th, 2013 AT 8:39 PM

7 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,796 POSTS

No, it is basic hydraulics. You may have a failed transmission. Check the fluid level. Beyond that it is an internal failure

Roy

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, April 21st, 2013 AT 3:52 AM

SHAWTA

MEMBER
7 POSTS

I understand what ur saying its just weird that when u give it a boost. It would move. Thanks When u put it into gear. It doesn't seem like its engaging

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, April 21st, 2013 AT 7:35 AM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,796 POSTS

Assuming you never drove the car before buying, you dont know how long it sat or even if it had any issues

you can try changing the fluid and filter but in 98 the electronics was not that complicated for the trans and it is like I said, basic hydraulics.

Roy

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, April 21st, 2013 AT 7:52 AM

SHAWTA

MEMBER
7 POSTS

Thank you. If possible please have a look at my one other question.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, April 21st, 2013 AT 5:21 PM

SHAWTA

MEMBER
7 POSTS

Sorry I guess it didn't get posted. No I did not drive it. We winched on a trailer. I got the car for free. Anyhow what would happen if it was the wrong fluid put in the tranny ex. Instead of mercon. ATF The fluid is a light brown. But does not smell burnt. My plan with the car was to fix it for my daughters first car. The car is in real nice shape. And being small I thought great. Thanks

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, April 21st, 2013 AT 5:54 PM

SHAWTA